TJILMI stands for The Jesus is Lord Ministries International.
My last trip to Digos, Mindanao, Philippines was in 2005 and the Lord has been laying it upon my heart to go again and I decided that in 2010 I will go to Digos. I felt in my heart that the Lord has some wonderful things in store.
And sure enough we (the team of Jimmy Yong, Chin Nee and myself) had a big shock and a pleasant surprise all within a 15 mins period when we were going into the boarding lounge at the Singapore airport. At the gate I discovered I lost my passport and then suddenly I realised that I must have left in on a table that I filled in a form for a contest for fun (beware of distractions). I ran all the way back to the table as fast as I could wondering if I will be able to get to Philippines without my passport. I praise the Lord that a kind elderly man found my passport and left it with the transfer counter. What a relief! When I went back to the boarding gate Chin Nee and Jimmy were waiting anxiously. Then, as we gave our boarding passes to the stewards, they said something strange to Chin Nee. "It's your birthday today!" To that Chin Nee replied, "No, it's not my birhtday." It was only when we sat down to fill in the immigration forms do we realised that we have been ungraded to Business Class. I didn't know how to be glad as I was still trying to get over the shock of possibly loosing my passport. Anyway we enjoy our trip on Business class. We were encouraged by the Lord who was saying to us that we are HIS AMBASSORS going to the Philippines for HIS MISSION.
The ministry in the Philippines was very amazing all the way. We were invited to minister in the 25th Anniversary of TJILMI churches. Some 50 churches under this banner, under the leadership of Bishop Ally Flores came together to celebrate God's favour, goodness, faithfulness, victories and blessings for the past 25 years. Churches came as far as Tigar, about 10 hours journey by bus. A group of 30 members led by Ps Laurence came in a hired truck with almost half of them just standing on the truck throughout the whole journey. The level of excitement, energy and expectation was mountaintop! The praise and worship as always was just awesome. I personally feel that it's more powerful than Hillsongs.
The meetings began with a Youth Revival meeting on Wed night. Some 300 young people gathered to seek the Lord. The Lord used me to challenge the Youth to give their lives to God for God loves them and wants to use them. That night most of them responded to the altar call to be pure for Jesus. Some 25 youth also gave their hearts to Jesus as their Lord and saviour.
On Thur we had a whole day of pastors, leaders and intercessors conference followed by a night revival meeting. A couple from Texas USA. Ps Rodney and kathy were also ministering and we felt such a unity of spirit serving together. The Lord used the ministry time to encouraged and build up the leaders there. A very strong word came to them on the Revival meeting that they are overcomers in Christ! On Fri the men and ladies had separate meetings and it was another day of great blessings from the Lord. Chin Nee was especially blessed because the 30 gifts she bought for the Pastor's wifes were EXACTLY enough.
The Anniversary Celebration on Sat was just a big, joyful, triumphant festival. It began at 8.00 am with a motorcade. In the previous years they have a parade with banners and all. Now they have upgraded themselves to go for a motorcade. A long line of motorcycles, followed by a band playing on a truck and then a long line of cars, jeeps and trucks followed. We journeyed through the town for about 45 minutes. Many people along the streets came out to wave at us. When the motorcade ended the celebration began in the church. The hall was packed with many people sitting in the overflow tent that was pitched just in front of the church. There were dances and songs and praise and worship. The Mayor of the city was there together with government officials to congratulate them. The Lord once again spoke a clear word to the church commending the leaders and encouraging the church to follow the example of the Lord Jesus who humbled Himself to serve and to sacrifice Himself for His sheep. A most moving moment was when Ps Rodney and Kathy proceeded to wash the feet of Ps Ally and sister Marlene. Indeed Jesus was lifted high! After the service a big feast was held. A fews cows were slaughtered for the occassion. Following lunch a 2nd service was held in the afternoon with more praise and worship, the preaching of the word and also presentations from the daughter churches.
It was a most joyful and wonderful celebration.
I praise the Lord for the team of Bro Jimmy, Chin nee and myself. The three of us had morning devotion and prayer everyday. We are so encouraged that the Lord used us to be a blessing. This was Jimmy's first trip and he was a great blessing. Each time he shared, it was the Word from the Lord that blessed the people. He prepared 1 message for the trip but the Lord used him to share a few testimonies, a message to the men and a message in the Sunday service. He is now called Pastor Jimmy in the Philippines.
Overall we know the brethren there has been greatly encouraged and impacted. We are even more encouraged and impacted. More than 50 people responded to the altar call for salvation. Many responded to the Word and gave themselves on the altar of the Lord. We know the Lord has poured out His Spirit, His rain and His fire!
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